Family Development Theory Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the history of Family Development Theory?

Family development theory emerged in the late 1940s from the critique of psychology-based and sociology-based theories.

Define 'Family'.

Interacting persons related by ties of marriage, birth, or adoption, whose central purpose is to create and maintain a common culture which promotes the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of each of its members.

What is the second definition of 'Family'?

An intergenerational social group organized and governed by social norms regarding descent and affinity, reproduction, and the nurturant socialization of the young.

What are family stages?

A time period in the life of a family that is unique in its structure, interaction patterns, and role relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What are developmental tasks?

Tasks that each stage of development requires the family to change in order to accommodate the needs of its members. Signup and view all the answers

What is the family life cycle/course?

A set of predictable stages and developmental tasks a family experiences over time. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'change' refer to in family development theory?

Changes in family relationships over time due to internal or external catalysts. Signup and view all the answers

What are transitions in family development?

Developmental events or processes characterized by shifts in roles, behaviors, and responsibilities of family members. Signup and view all the answers

Define norms in the context of family development.

Societal expectations that govern group and individual behaviors, defining the roles that people play. Signup and view all the answers

What is normative timing?

Recognition that social prescriptions exist regarding when individuals and families should engage in particular behaviors or accomplish certain tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What do age norms indicate?

When an event or stage is to be experienced. Signup and view all the answers

What are sequencing norms?

The order in which events or stages are to be experienced. Signup and view all the answers

List basic assumptions of family development theory.

<ol> <li>Families should be viewed over time. 2. Transition points and tasks are similar across families. 3. Normative expectations are associated with each stage. 4. Institutional norms regulate family behavior. 5. Development is reciprocal.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are the strengths of family development theory?

<ol> <li>Views family dynamics over long periods. 2. Easy understanding of stages. 3. Identifies developmental impasses. 4. Explains stress at various life stages. 5. Useful in cross-cultural research.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are criticisms of family development theory?

<ol> <li>Primarily describes intact, two-parent families. 2. Excludes diverse family forms. 3. Normalizes one family type. 4. Labels parenthood as central. 5. Lacks explanatory power.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

History of Family Development Theory

Emerged in the late 1940s as a response to limitations of psychology-based and sociology-based theories.
Psychology-based theories focused too narrowly on individuals, while sociology-based theories were too broad.

Definition of Family

Comprises interacting individuals connected by marriage, birth, or adoption.
Aims to foster a common culture that supports the development of physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of all members.

Concept of Family

Recognized as an intergenerational social group governed by societal norms regarding descent, reproduction, and child socialization.

Family Stages

Defined periods in a family's life marked by unique structures, interactions, and roles.
Each stage arises from normative life events like marriage or childbirth and differs qualitatively from preceding and subsequent stages.

Developmental Tasks

Each developmental stage necessitates changes within the family to meet the evolving needs of its members.
Focuses on collective achievements of the family as it progresses to the next stage.

Family Life Cycle

Concept referring to a series of predictable stages and tasks families encounter over time.
Allows for the study of family dynamics throughout the lifespan of its members.

Change in Family Development

Family relationships are dynamic, subject to transformation due to internal factors (like biological growth) or external influences (environmental interactions).

Transitions

Critical events or processes marked by shifts in the roles, behaviors, and responsibilities of family members.
Individual changes often spur transitions, moving the family from one stage to another.

Norms in Family Development

Each developmental stage includes expected behaviors and tasks socially defined and subject to change over time.
Societal norms govern individual and group behaviors, influencing family roles and interactions.

Timing and Age Norms

Normative timing establishes social expectations for when particular behaviors or tasks should occur (social clock).
Age norms dictate when specific events should take place in a family’s life cycle.

Sequencing Norms

Concern the chronological order in which life events or stages should unfold.
The timing of events like childbirth, marriage, retirement, or children moving out significantly impacts family dynamics.

Basic Assumptions of Family Development Theory

Families should be analyzed over time to understand their evolution and changes.
Families progress through similar developmental stages, facing comparable transitions and tasks.
Success in completing developmental tasks influences future family goals and relationships.
Institutional norms regulate family behaviors, controlling event sequences, and stage durations.
Individual developments within family members affect family dynamics as a whole.

Strengths of Family Development Theory

Provides insight into the evolving nature of families over extended periods.
Facilitates understanding of developmental stages and tasks.
Aids in identifying predictive patterns of challenges faced by families.
Offers explanations for stress and symptoms related to family development stages.
Applicable for research across different family life domains and cultures.

Criticisms of Family Development Theory

Primarily reflects the experiences of intact, middle-class, heterosexual families, lacking inclusivity for diverse family forms.
Fails to account for complex family dynamics like divorce, loss, and alternative family structures.
Perceived as normalizing one family type, potentially invalidating others.
Critiqued for being largely descriptive without providing insight into the processes of negotiating transitions and tasks.

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Description

Explore the evolution of Family Development Theory through these flashcards. This quiz delves into the history and key concepts behind the theory's emergence in the late 1940s, highlighting the balance between individual and societal perspectives. Perfect for students of psychology and sociology.